Wikipedia has an article on the Succession crisis of 1844 ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Succession_crisis ). Joseph's brother Hyrum was Assistant President of the Church, so he would have succeeded Joseph if he hadn't also been murdered in Carthage. The main candidates were: * Sidney Rigdon, member of the First Presidency. Rigdon wanted to be "Guardian of the Church" claiming no one could take the place of Brother Joseph. * Brigham Young, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Brigham said he should be President of the Church. * Joseph Smith III, oldest surviving son of Joseph Smith Jr. Various people claimed that Joseph Smith Jr claimed that one of his sons should succeed him as Prophet. Joseph Smith III considered himself too young at the time. He later became the first Prophet of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. * James Strang, lay member. James Strang produced a letter he claimed was written by Joseph naming him (Strang) as the new Prophet. There was a major conference 8 August 1844 for the Church at large to resolve this issue. Each candidate spoke his peace, and then the members voted. There are 101 written accounts of Brigham Young taking on the voice and appearance of Joseph Smith Jr. Brigham Young won the election. Brigham Young and the Twelve led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, on 3 September, Sidney Rigdon reasserted that he had more authority than the Twelve. the Twelve disfellowshipped Rigdon, and excommunicated him on 8 September. Signey Rigdon moved back to Pennsylvania and founded The Church of Jesus Christ, with a current membership of about 15,000. James Strang and his followers formed The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This sect currently has less than 1000 members.